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Chronic morphine (CM) treatment increases the phosphorylation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), which confers neuroprotection against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Besides its important regulatory role in the proliferation, metabolism, and survival of cells, the mTOR is critically involved in intracellular signaling events during I/R injury. In the present study, we investigated the interaction between the expressions of the mTOR and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and their possible protective effects on hippocampal neurons against I/R injury in morphine-dependent mice. Additive doses of morphine were administered for 5 days to BALB/c mice so as to induce CM preconditioning before I/R injury. Global brain ischemia was induced via the occlusion of bilateral common carotid arteries for 30 min. CM attenuated iNOS expression, NO production, and malondialdehyde activity in the hippocampal tissue. Pretreatment with rapamycin, the inhibitor of mTOR, abolished all the above mentioned effects of CM. These findings suggested that CM acted through the mTOR signaling pathways to regulate iNOS expression and oxidative state in the hippocampal tissue after I/R injury.

The childhood obesity epidemic is one of the most serious global health challenges, and many relevant policies have been designed and implemented. Regarding health equity policy-making, it is important to adopt proper interventional strategies, including childhood obesity policies. The purpose of this study is to assess compliance with the WHO Ending Childhood Obesity (ECHO), and the Iran-Ending Childhood Obesity (IRAN-ECHO) program draft in terms of Urban Health Equity Indicators (UHEIs) in Iran.This is a descriptive study, using a directed quantitative content analysis approach to analyze the ECHO report and IRAN-ECHO program draft, based on Iranian UHEI. The UHEI consist of 52 indicators in 5 domains. The frequency of each code in the ECHO report and IRAN-ECHO draft was calculated and analyzed.In total, 148 and 84 phrases or words in ECHO and IRAN-ECHO were encoded with UHEI concepts. The results showed that the physical activity indicator was the most frequent among indicators in both ECHO (n = 48, 32.43%) and IRAN-ECHO (n = 41, 48.80%). Indicators 28 (prevalence of underweight in children under 5, n = 14, 9.45%) and 19 (use of primary care services, n = 21, 25%) were the next most frequent in ECHO and IRAN-ECHO, respectively.In this study, ECHO and IRAN-ECHO had high compliance with some UHEI, especially indicators placed in domain 3 (social and human development). It indicates that social and human development plays an important role in preventing and controlling childhood obesity.

In recent years, much attention has been paid to the natural value of herbal compounds in order to prevent various diseases. It should be noted that garlic is one source for which extensive research has been done in terms of its various compounds and their effects on different diseases. Moreover, several countries have been interested in the potential effects of the various compounds existing in garlic (Allium sativum) since ancient times across many different centuries. Bioactive compounds of garlic are useful in prevention and treatment. The major physiological roles of garlic are that is has an antibiotic, anticancer, and antioxidant effect, demonstrates immune system enhancement, is an antidiabetic or hypoglycemic agent (glucose reducer), a liver protector, an antifibriolytic, an antithrombolytic, as well having a potential role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The outstanding effects of active chemical compounds in garlic on health and treatments of various disorders have been extensively examined in animals as well as humans. In this chapter these are explained separately. Meanwhile, the interactions of garlic consumption with other drugs are mentioned in order to provide therapists and consumers with comprehensive information.

Current ageing research is aimed not only at the promotion of longevity, but also at improving ‎health span‎ through the‎ discovery and development‎ of new therapeutic strategies‎‏‎ by investigating ‎molecular and ‎cellular ‎pathways involved in cellular senescence.‎ Understanding the mechanism of action ‎of ‎polyphenolic compounds targeting mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) and related pathways opens up new directions ‎‎to revolutionize ways to slow down the ‎onset and development of age-dependent degeneration. Herein, we will ‎discuss the mechanisms by which polyphenols can delay the‎ molecular ‎pathogenesis of ageing via manipulation or more specifically inhibition of mTOR-signaling pathways. We will also discuss the implications of polyphenols in targeting mTOR and its related ‎pathways‎‎ on ‎health life span extension and longevity.‎.

cope Conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) are dietary components with beneficial effects on human health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential benefits of CLA pretreatment in a rat model of renal ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). Methods and results Animals were treated with CLAs (200 mg/kg/day) or water for two weeks prior to sham surgery or to surgery to induce IRI. Renal function, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cell proliferation markers, were evaluated. Moreover, kidney sections were submitted to histological evaluation. IRI induced increased serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, fractional sodium excretion, malondialdehyde, Bax, and phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (P-mTOR), and decreased clearance of creatine, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, and Bax in comparison with control groups. CLA prefeeding restored, at least in part, the above reported markers to normal levels, increased the anti-apoptotic protein, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and reduce the histological damage. Conclusion The results suggest that the decreased renal tissue damage and improved renal function and oxidative stress, in rats pretreated with CLAs before renal IRI induction, could be associated with downregulation of Bax and P-mTOR, and upregulation of Bcl-2. CLAs pretreatment resulted to protect against IRI through the regulation of signaling pathways involved in apoptosis.

Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC), which consists of several brief ischemia/reperfusion applied at the remote site of lethal ischemia reperfusion, can, through activating different mechanisms, increase the ability of the body's endogenous protection against prolonged ischemia/reperfusion. Recent studies have shown that RIPC has neuroprotective effects, but its mechanisms are not well elucidated. The present study aimed to determine whether activation of KATP channels in remote renal preconditioning decreases hippocampus damage induced by global cerebral ischemia. RIPC was induced by ischemia of the left renal artery (IPC); 24 h later, global cerebral ischemia reperfusion (IR) was induced by common carotid arteries occlusion. 5hydroxydecanoate (5HD) and glibenclamide (Gli) were injected before of IPC. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase (CAT) activity were assessed in hippocampus. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) was assessed to detect apoptotic cells in hippocampus. RIPC inhibited apoptosis by decreasing positive TUNEL cells (P

Background: Despite the advances in prenatal care and improving health indicators, preterm delivery and resultant infant mortality rate are still considerable. Emerged financial, social, mental and emotional damages could result in mental and behavioral disabilities for mothers as well as children. Although spontaneous preterm labor is well known as a multifactorial issue, yet poor nutrition is assumed as a strong related factor. Objective: To identify the role of dietary habits on preterm delivery prevalence in Iran, this study was conducted on pregnant women with preterm and term delivery. Methods: In this retrospective case-control study, 70 women with preterm labor and 70 women with term labor were compared in terms of their dietary habits. Women who met the inclusion criteria and referred to two hospitals in North-East of Iran were selected using purposive convenience sampling method and completed 163-item food frequency and dietary habits questionnaire. Results: This study showed that dietary habits of women with preterm labor are more unfavorable compared to women with term labor (P = 0.023). Generally, dietary habit of more than half of the women with preterm labor, in this study, was assessed unfavorable. In terms of different food groups, daily intake of vegetables was significantly lower in women with preterm labor (P = 0.02). Consumption of dairy products was also lower in women with preterm labor than women with term labor which was significant (P = 0.05). Conclusion: To prevent adverse outcomes of preterm delivery more attention regarding nutritional planning for pregnant women seems to be essential.

Eugenol is a hydroxyphenyl propene, naturally occurring in the essential oils of several plants belonging to the Lamiaceae, Lauraceae, Myrtaceae, and Myristicaceae families. It is one of the major constituents of clove (Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M. Perry, Myrtaceae) oil and is largely used in both foods and cosmetics as a flavoring agent. A large body of recent scientific evidence supports claims from traditional medicine that eugenol exerts beneficial effects on human health. These effects are mainly associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Eugenol has also shown excellent antimicrobial activity in studies, being active against fungi and a wide range of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. The aim of this review is to analyze scientific data from the main published studies describing the antibacterial and antifungal activities of eugenol targeting different kind of microorganisms, such as those responsible for human infectious diseases, diseases of the oral cavity, and food-borne pathogens. This article also reports the effects of eugenol on multi-drug resistant microorganisms. On the basis of this collected data, eugenol represents a very interesting bioactive compound with broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against both planktonic and sessile cells belonging to food-decaying microorganisms and human pathogens.

Searching for effective therapeutic agents‏‎ to ‎‏prevent‏ ‏neurodegeneration ‎is a challenging task due ‎to ‎the growing list of neurodegenerative disorders associated with a multitude of inter-related pathways.‎ The induction and inhibition of several different signaling pathways has been shown to slow down and/or attenuate ‎neurodegeneration and decline in cognition and locomotor function. Among these signaling pathways, a new class of enzymes known as sirtuins or silent information regulators of gene transcription has been shown to play important regulatory roles in the ageing process. SIRT1, a nuclear sirtuin, has received ‎particular interest due to its role as a deacetylase for several metabolic and signaling proteins involved in stress response, apoptosis, mitochondrial function, self-renewal, and ‎neuroprotection. ‎A new strategy to treat ‎neurodegenerative diseases is targeted therapy. In ‎this ‎paper, we‎ ‎ reviewed up-to-date findings regarding the targeting of ‎SIRT1 by polyphenolic ‎compounds,‎ ‎as a ‎new ‎‏approach in the search for novel, safe and effective treatments for ‎ ‎neurodegenerative ‎diseases. ‎

Background Zinc is an essential nutrient that is naturally available in most foods. Deficiency of this micronutrient in particular can cause a number of health complications. Zinc deficiency during infancy is more troublesome as rapid growth and nutrient relied development takes place in this period. Most severe outcomes of zinc deficiency during infancy are considered to be, impaired immunity, growth retardation and impaired neurodevelopment. The aim of this pragmatic study is to determine whether zinc supplementation strategy is feasible and effective for reducing growth retardation at national level. Methods A randomized, multicenter, double-blind, parallel group effectiveness trial that evaluated the effect of zinc supplementation in infant development. Children aged 6–24 months were recruited from healthcare centers of Damavand, Pishva and Varamin in the beginning of the study (n = 682). The Subjects were then randomly allocated in two groups of intervention (n = 272), and control (n = 308), where a daily dose of zinc sulfate (5ml) suspension containing 5mg elemental zinc and placebo were administered for the period of 6 month. Investigators, care givers and the parents of the children were blinded to the nature of the intervention. Anthropometric measures were evaluated at the beginning and after the six month intervention period. The primary outcome measured was linear growth and length difference, serum zinc and ferritin concentrations were the secondary outcomes. Findings Following the intervention, compared with the placebo, zinc supplementation was associated with significant difference in the average length increment (primary outcome) (placebo 5·23 ± 2·19 vs. intervention 5·79 ± 2·18 cm, p = 0·02). No significant difference was observed in concentrations of serum zinc and ferritin. After the intervention the prevalence of zinc deficiency was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the placebo group. No complications and adverse effects were reported and the compliance was very good (7 children out of 344 didn't comply with the intake of syrup). Interpretation Zinc supplementation for six month among children (6–24 months) had beneficial outcomes on growth and average length increment, therefore we propose it is a feasible strategy for preventing growth retardation., Public Health; Physiology; Immunology; Pediatrics; Evidence-Based Medicine; Health policy; Zinc Deficiency; anthropometry; Child Growth

Different signaling pathways are involved in tissue protection against ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury, among them mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and related pathways have been examined in many recent studies. Present study evaluated the role of mTOR in remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) of hippocampus. Renal ischemia was induced (3 cycles of 5min occlusion and 5min reperfusion of unilateral renal artery) 24h before global brain ischemia (20min bilateral common carotid artery occlusion). Saline or rapamycin (mTOR inhibitor; 5mg/kg, i.p.) was injected 30min before RIPC. mTOR and phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR) expression, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and retention trial of passive avoidance test were determined 24h after global ischemia. Apoptosis and neuronal cell density were assessed 72h after hippocampal ischemia. RIPC decreased apoptosis (p0.05 vs. IR), improved memory (p0.05 vs. IR), and augmented p-mTOR expression and SOD activity after hippocampal ischemia (p0.05 vs. IR). Rapamycin abolished all protective effects of RIPC (p0.05 vs. RIPC+IR) suggesting a role for mTOR in RIPC induced hippocampal protection.

Considering the rising incidence of breast cancer and high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Iran, this case-control study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum concentration and intake of vitamin D and risk of breast cancer.A total of 135 incident breast cancer cases at the Cancer Research Center of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences were matched with 135 controls by age and menopausal status. A validated and reliable 168-item food frequency questionnaire was completed by participant interviews. To determine the vitamin D content of foods we used the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrient database. To analyze the food frequency questionnaires we used the data collected in the Iranian Household Food Pattern Study, conducted by the National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute and the Iranian Ministry of Agriculture. Five-milliliter blood samples were collected to measure serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method.Women in the fourth quartile of serum 25(OH)D level had 3 times lower risk of developing breast cancer compared to those in the first quartile. In the adjusted model the inverse relationship remained significant (odds ratio [OR] = 0.269; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.122-0.593). In the stratified model by menopausal status the inverse association was only seen in premenopausal women (OR = 0.25; 95% CI, 0.094-0.687). Dietary intake of vitamin D was inversely associated with risk of breast cancer (OR fourth quartile [Q4] vs first quartile [Q1] = 0.39; 95% CI, 0.196-0.784; p = 0.008). After adjusting for the confounding factors, this inverse association remained significant.Results from this case-control study support the protective effect of higher serum concentration of 25(OH)D against breast cancer. Moreover, dietary but not total intake of vitamin D was associated with decreased risk of breast cancer.

Background: Up until the early twentieth century infectious diseases were the most common and serious health problem worldwide, with degenerative disorders only dominating in certain parts of the world, such as Europe, relatively recently. As one of the most important challenges in the treatment of infection, much attention is currently focused on natural products as an alternative strategy against antibiotic resistance, due to their high therapeutic effects and low adverse reactions. Garlic is a well-known spice from the Alliaceae family that is widely used in traditional medicine for its wide variety of therapeutic properties, especially its potent antimicrobial effects. This species contains a unique class of organosulfur compound called allicin. A wide range of evidence has revealed the therapeutic effect of this compound on fungal and bacterial infection. Scope and approach: This paper critically reviews the available evidence of the antifungal and antibacterial activities of allicin. Its chemistry, bioavailability and natural sources are also discussed. Key findings and conclusions: During the past two decades, much attention has been focused on the antibacterial and antifungal potential of allicin against multi-drug resistant microorganisms. Despite promising in vitro results, the in vivo activity of allicin has not yet been well documented in preclinical and clinical efficacy trials. Due to some adverse effects, further studies are required to confirm the potential therapeutic use of allicin as an antimicrobial agent. Pharmacokinetic studies should be performed in order to improve the bioavailability of allicin by employing different delivery systems. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Necrosis and apoptosis caused by ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) result in myocyte death and atrophy. ATP-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP) ) channels activation increases tissue tolerance of IR-injury. Thus, in the present study, we evaluated the effects of K(ATP) channel activation on skeletal muscle apoptosis after IR. Male Wistar rats were treated with 40 mg/kg, i.p., diazoxide (a K(ATP) channel opener) or 5 mg/kg, i.p., glibenclamide (a K(ATP) channel inhibitor) 30 min before the induction of 3 h ischaemia, followed by 6, 24 or 48 h reperfusion. At the end of the reperfusion period, the gastrocnemius muscle was removed for the analysis of tissue malondialdehyde content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity, Bax and Bcl-2 protein expression, histological damage and the number of apoptotic nuclei. Ischaemia-reperfusion increased malondialdehyde content (P 0.01) and Bax expression (P 0.01) and induced severe histological damage, in addition to decreasing CAT and SOD activity (P 0.01 and P 0.05, respectively) and Bcl-2 expression (P 0.01). Diazoxide reversed the effects of IR on tissue damage, MDA content, SOD and CAT activity (after 6 and 24 h reperfusion; P 0.05) and Bax and Bcl-2 expression (after 24 and 48 h reperfusion; P 0.01). In contrast, glibenclamide pretreatment had no effect. The number of apoptotic nuclei in the IR and glibenclamide-pretreated groups increased significantly (P 0.001 vs Sham). In contrast, diazoxide pretreatment decreased the number of apoptotic nuclei compared with the IR group (P 0.01). The results of the present study suggest that the K(ATP) channel activator diazoxide attenuates lipid peroxidation during the first hour of reperfusion and modulates apoptotic pathways at later time points.

Acne vulgaris, an inflammatory skin disease with different clinical appearances, is a common problem in most adolescents. It seems that using combinations of topical agents can decrease resistance to the treatment and improve the efficacy. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of azelaic acid (AA) 5% and clindamycin (Clin) 2% combination (AA-Clin) on mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris.The efficacy and safety of 12-week treatment with AA-Clin in patients with mild-to-moderate facial acne vulgaris were evaluated by a multicenter, randomized, and double-blind study. A total of 88 male and 62 female patients were randomly assigned to one of these treatments: AA 5%, Clin 2%, and combination of them. Every 4 weeks, total inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions were counted, acne severity index (ASI) was calculated, and patient satisfaction was recorded.Treatment for 12 weeks with combination gel significantly reduced the total lesion number compared with baseline (p0.01), as well as Clin 2% or AA 5% treatment groups (p0.05 or p0.01). The percentage of reduction in ASI in combination treated group (64.16 ± 6.01) was significantly more than those in the Clin 2% (47.73 ± 6.62, p0.05) and 5% AA (32.46 ± 5.27, p0.01) groups after 12 weeks. Among the patients in the AA-Clin group, 75.86% of males were satisfied or very satisfied and 85.71% of females were satisfied or very satisfied. This trend was significant in comparison to the number of patients who were satisfied with AA 5% or Clin 2% treatment (p0.01). Seven patients in AA-Clin group (incidence = 22%) showed adverse effects that were not statistically significant compared to treatment with individual active ingredients.The profound reduction in lesion count and ASI by combination therapy with AA-Clin gel in comparison to individual treatment with 5% AA or Clin 2% suggested the combination formula as an effective alternative in treatment of acne vulgaris.

To determine the impact of ω3 fatty acids on post-ischemic expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins in hippocampus, male rats were received 10 or 100 mg/kg [Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) + Ecosapentaenoic acid (EPA); gavage; 21 days before ischemia to 2–10 days after ischemia]. Global cerebral ischemia reperfusion (IR) was performed using the four-vessel occlusion model; ischemia 8 min and reperfusion 6, 48 h and 10 days. IR increased Bcl-2 and Bax expression after 48 h (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01 vs. sham) and 10 days (only Bax; p < 0.05), without significant difference with DHA + EPA groups after 6 h. But after 48 h expression of Bcl-2 increased (p < 0.05 vs. IR) and Bax decreased (p < 0.05). At day 10 after ischemia expression of Bax in DHA + EPA acid groups was less than IR (p < 0.05) and in 100 mg/kg DHA + EPA group Bcl-2 expression was more than IR (p < 0.05). These data suggested that long-term gavage with DHA + EPA increase hippocampal neurons survival for days after ischemia, revealed by increased Bcl-2 and decreased Bax expressions.

Morphine treatment for 5 days protects heart against ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. This study evaluated the involvement of nitric oxide (NO) in morphine-induced renal protection. Three weeks after right nephrectomy, increasing doses of morphine were administered (20-30 mg kg(-1)day(-1), 5 days) to develop dependence in rats. The left kidney underwent 45-min ischemia and 24-h reperfusion. Some rats were pretreated with naloxone (5 mg kg(-1)) or L-NAME (20 mg kg(-1)). In one group, IR was induced 24h after the last dose of morphine during the withdrawal period. Plasma nitrite/nitrate levels and serum creatinine and BUN were measured. Creatinine clearance and fractional excretion of sodium (FE(Na)) were calculated. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) level, and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression were determined and histopathology was studied in the left kidney. IR increased serum creatinine and BUN, plasma NO (p0.01), FE(Na), iNOS expression (p0.001), MPO activity, MDA level, and tissue damage and decreased creatinine clearance. Morphine decreased plasma NO (p0.05 vs IR), serum creatinine and BUN (p0.01), FE(Na), MPO activity, MDA level, iNOS expression, and tissue damage (p0.05), but increased creatinine clearance (p0.05). Pretreatment with naloxone significantly increased NO production and iNOS expression in morphine-treated rats after IR (p0.01 vs morphine dependence+IR). Pretreatment with L-NAME in morphine-treated rats decreased NO production (10.7+/-1.9, p0.01 vs morphine dependence+IR) but could not change iNOS expression after IR. Both naloxone and L-NAME significantly abolished the protective effects of morphine dependence on functional and histological factors. The protective effect of morphine dependence on serum creatinine, BUN, FE(Na), and creatinine clearance persisted during the withdrawal period, whereas iNOS expression decreased. NO production was not decreased during the withdrawal period (p0.1 vs morphine dependence+IR group). Morphine dependence provided renal protection in the acute phase and during withdrawal. Excessive increase or decrease in NO production abolished the effects of morphine, which suggested a role for balanced NO production and iNOS expression.

Background : The growth, learning, and contribution to active life in the communities are better in well‑nourished children, and various factors influence infants’ feeding. In this study, we assessed whether household socioeconomic status (SES) affects infants’ length‑for‑age, weight‑for‑age (indicators of health and nutritional status) and breastfeeding (BF) (a necessity for optimal growth and health) status. Methods : In this cross‑sectional study, 150 households with infants of 1–1.5 years old were interviewed on these variables: family size, dwelling ownership, duration of BF, exclusive BF (EBF) for 6 months, parents’ age, parents’ ethnicity, birth order, delivery type, and parents’ education. Weight and length at 4 and 12 months were obtained from centers’ records. To determine SES, we assessed total years of parents’ education and household asset ownership by an index of nine owned assets. Results : The average of 4‑month length in the low SES group was significantly lower than the two others (P < 0.05). In middle socioeconomic group, duration of BF was significantly higher (19.5 ± 7.3 months vs. 18.0 ± 8.0 months in low and 17.5 ± 7.9 months in high SES groups) (P < 0.05). Comparing illiterate mothers, university degree holders and university students were 73% less likely to not having EBF. Moreover, those with middle SES showed to be about 40% less likely to not having EBF. Conclusions : Nutritional status, duration of BF, and EBF might be determined by household SES and maternal education. Therefore, these findings can be used to decide how to focus on appropriate target groups in family education planning to improve children’s development to its most possible. Keywords : Body weights and measures, breastfeeding, social class

Alopecia areata (AA) development is attributed to a T cell involved autoimmune process. Apoptosis is one of the suspected culprits in pathogenesis of this disorder. This disorder can be treated by contact sensitizers like diphencyprone (DPCP). We investigated the effects of treatment with DPCP on the expression of Bcl-2 protein in hair follicle epithelial cells of AA patients and its relation to clinical response to treatment.Patients with chronic and extensive AA who had not received any treatment for at least 6 months were included. Furthermore, 3-mm punch biopsies were obtained from the affected areas before starting the treatment, and, six months after DPCP application, punch biopsies of the same size were taken from the following groups of patients: Group 1: six patients with complete hair regrowth, Group 2: six patients with partial regrowth, and Group 3: six patients with no regrowth. The samples were studied by immunohistochemistry to detect and compare the rate of Bcl-2 expression.Level of Bcl-2 expression in respondent patients (Group 1) was significantly higher after DPCP treatment (36.50 +/- 4.23) compared to pretreatment state (3.67 +/- 1.406, P0.001). Similar finding was observed in second group with partial regrowth (17.67 +/- 1.745 versus 5.33 +/- 2.076, P0.01). Such significant change was not observed in third group (4.75 +/- 1.315 versus 3.50 +/- 0.645, P0.05).The results of this study indicate the positive effect of DPCP on regulation (inhibition) of apoptotic process in patients with AA.

Background: Considering the increasing incidence of coronary artery stenosis and its related complications, the importance of its etiology and inconsistent reports we aimed to determine the relationship between oxysterol, serum levels and severity of coronary atherosclerosis and effect of statins onoxysterol. Methods: A total of 85 patients referred to Taleghani Hospital, Tehran, Iran during 2011-2012 withcoronary artery stenosis more than 75%, as determined by angiography, participated in the currentstudy. Their demographic information and history of smoking and taking atorvastatin was carefullyrecorded. Two milliliters of venous blood was obtained from each patient. The serum oxysterol levelof samples was measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Statisticalanalysis was performed using SPSS v.19. Results: Eighty five patients completed the study. Mean age of patients was 64.4 years; 51 (60%)were male; 55 (68%) had acute coronary syndrome and 30 (32%) had chronic stable angina.Mean±SD of plasma level of oxysterol was 24.8±0.2 pmol/ml. The normal range of oxysterol levelwas 13pmol/ml. Mean±SD of plasma oxysterol level in patients under statin therapy was 24.4±2.1pmol/ml. In patients without receiving statins, plasma oxysterol level was 26.38±1.6pmol/ml. Conclusion: Findings of the present study indicated significant correlation between serum oxysteroland severity of coronary artery stenosis. It also demonstrated that receiving atorvastatin is associatedwith significant reduction of plasma oxysterol level.

Background: Simvastatin is a widely used medication in cardiac care. Here we evaluate the role of ATP sensitive potassium (KATP) channels in simvastatin induced renal protection after renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Methods: A total of 81 male Wistar rats, were treated with simvastatin (10 and 20mg/kg/day; gavage, one week). Some groups received glibenclamide (KATP channel inhibitor; 5mg/kg) before ischemia (45min) and reperfusion (24h). Finally the kidneys were processed for histological analysis and measurement of biochemical parameters including tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), fractional excretion of sodium (FENa), creatinine clearance rate (CCr) and Bcl2-associated X protein (Bax) expression. Results: IR significantly increased serum Cr (p< 0.01) and BUN levels (p< 0.01), elevated FENa (p

Background Due to the epidemiologic transition and a rise in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases different coping strategies have been studied and developed. These strategies may help the affected people to conduct a normal life style. Objectives This research was conducted in Qazvin, Iran to determine the relationship between coping strategies, hardiness, and occupational life quality in Type II diabetic patients and healthy people. Patients and methods Questionnaires such as Valton's on "occupational life quality," Billings and Moos' examination of "Coping strategies," and Kobasa's investigation of "hardiness" were applied to collect the data needed for the present study. In this regard, 80 people were randomly selected from employees of offices in Qazvin, Iran. Results The results of this research indicated that there is a significant relationship between problem-focused strategies, emotion-focused strategies, hardiness, and occupational life quality in people suffering from Type II diabetes and healthy people (P ≤ 0.05). These results also indicated that hardiness does not predict occupational life quality of people suffering from Type II diabetes. Conclusions The results of the present study give some evidence that allows us to conclude that hardiness and coping strategies affect occupational life quality for both people suffering from Type II diabetes and healthy people. Therefore, it is proposed that people strengthen their hardiness and coping strategies, in order to improve their occupational life quality.

Low calorie diets are always difficult for obese subjects to follow and lead to metabolic and behavioral adaptation. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of caffeine treatment with calorie shifting diet (CSD) on weight loss. Female subjects (n=60; BMI≥25) completed 4-weeks control diet, 6-weeks CSD (3 repeated phases; each 2-weeks) and 4-weeks follow-up diet, with or without caffeine treatment (5 mg/Kg/day). The first 11 days of each phase included calorie restriction with four meals every day and 4 hours intervals. Significant weight and fat loss were observed after 4-weeks of CSD (5.7 ± 1.24 Kg and 4.84 ± 1.53 Kg) or CSD+Caffeine (7.57 ± 2.33 Kg and 5.24 ± 2.07 Kg) which was consistent for one month of the follow-up (CSD: 5.24 ± 1.83 Kg and 4.3 ± 1.62 Kg, CSD+Caffeine: 12.11 ± 2.31 Kg and 9.85 ± 1.6 Kg, p < 0.05 vs CSD group) and correlated to the restricted energy intake (p < 0.05). During three CSD phases, RMR tended to remain unchanged in both groups.While, CSD or CSD + Caffeine treatments, significantly decreased plasma glucose, total-cholesterol, and triacylglycerol (p < 0.05), even during follow-up period (p < 0.05). HDL-cholesterol was not changed by CSD. Feeling of hunger decreased and subject’s satisfaction increased after 4-weeks of CSD (p < 0.05) and remained low to the end of study, while satiety was not affected. Coffeine increased the effect of CSD on feeling of hunger and subject’s satisfaction after week 7 (p < 0.05 vs. CSD). These findings indicated that combination of caffeine treatment with CSD could be an effective alternative approach to weight and fat loss with small changes in RMR and improved tolerance of subjects to the new diet.

Two omega-3 fatty acids including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are essential for the physiologic function of neuronal cell membrane. Normal function of neuronal cell membrane requires appropriate composition of fatty in its structure. Present study was designed to compare the effect of short-term and long-term pretreatment with omega-3 fatty acids on scopolamine-induced amnesia and possible involvement of apoptotic or oxidative pathways. Male Wistar rats were gavaged by omega-3 fatty acids [60 mg/Kg (DHA + EPA)] or saline for 2 weeks (short-term model) or 8 weeks (Long-term model), then received intra-CA1 scopolamine (2 µg/rat). Finally, the avoidance response was examined and hippocampus tissue was prepared. Intra-CA1 injection of scopolamine abolished the memory performance in rats. Short-term or long-term pretreatment with omega-3 fatty acids improved memory (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). Pretreatment for 2 weeks had no effect on the tissue Malondialdehyde (MDA) contents or SOD and CAT activity. In addition, pretreatment for 2 weeks with omega-3 fatty acids had no effects on tissue Bax and Bcl-2 expression. Conversely, long-term pretreatment with omega-3 fatty acids decreased tissue MDA contents (p < 0.01), SOD activity (p < 0.05) and increased CAT activity (p < 0.01). Long-term pretreatment with omega-3 fatty acids also decreased Bax protein expression (p < 0.05) with no effect on the expression of Bcl-2 protein. In conclusion, long-term exposure to omega-3 fatty acids inhibited the scopolamine-induced oxidative stress, apoptosis and amnesia while the effect of short-term treatment was restricted to the improved memory without significant effect on apoptosis or oxidative stress. Therefore, long-term treatment with low doses of omega-3 fatty acids suggested a suitable treatment for amnesia.

Despite all modern surgical techniques, skin flap that is considered as the main method in most reconstructive surgeries puts the skin tissue at danger of necrosis and apoptosis derived from ischemia. Therefore, finding a treatment for decreasing the apoptosis derived from flap ischemia will be useful in clinic. In present study, we evaluated the effect of azelaic acid 20% and finasteride on expression of BCL-2 and bax proteins after the skin flap surgery. For this purpose, 21 rats were entered in three groups including control, azelaic acid 20% and finasteride, all experienced skin flap surgery and then flap tissue was assessed for determining the expression of proteins in 5 slices prepared from each rat that were graded between – to +++ scales. Both azelaic acid and finasteride increased the expression of BCL-2 protein (p < 0.05) and decrease the expression of bax protein (p < 0.05). These results suggested an antiapoptotic role for finasteride and azelaic acid in preserving the flap after the ischemia reperfusion insult.

Apoptosis, as well as necrosis, has an important role in post-ischemic renal pathology. The effect of pretreatment with Docosahexaenoic acid+Eicosapentaenoic acid (DHA+EPA) on renal injury and apoptotic protein expression was evaluated. Right nephrectomy was completed on male Wistar rats (255-300 g). The rats received DHA+EPA (200 mg/kg/day) of distilled water orally for 14 days before ischemia reperfusion (IR) or sham operation. A total of 81 rats were divided into three main groups with 6, 24 and 48 h of post-operation or reperfusion period. Serum creatinine (SCr), BUN, creatinine clearance (CCr) and fractional excretion of sodium (FEN a ) were measured. Tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, Bax and Bcl-2 protein expressions and renal histological injury were determined. SCr, BUN and FEN a increased 6-48 h of reperfusion (P < 0.01). Tissue MDA content and Bax expression increased (P < 0.01) and CAT and SOD activities decreased (P < 0.05) in the IR group. DHA+EPA decreased SCr and BUN, FEN a , tissue MDA levels (P < 0.05 vs. IR) and increased CAT and SOD activities and Bcl-2 expression (P < 0.05 vs. IR) for 6-48 h after ischemia. IR induced mild (6 h, P < 0.05) and severe (24-48 h, P < 0.01) tissue damage. Mild-to-moderate tissue damage was observed in DHA+EPA groups from 6 to 48 h of reperfusion period (P < 0.05 vs. IR, 24-48 h). In conclusion, the results suggest that pre-ischemic exposure to DHA+EPA could improve the outcome of early graft function by inhibition of IR-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Acne vulgaris is a common problem, particularly among adolescents, which is usually resistant to monotherapy. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of a combination of azelaic acid (AA) 5% and erythromycin 2% gel (AzE) compared with AA 20% or erythromycin 2% gels in facial acne vulgaris.We conducted a 12-week, multicenter, randomized double-blind study on 147 patients with mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris. Four treatment group were determined (placebo, erythromycin, AA and AzE) and followed in 4-week intervals for 12 weeks, except the placebo group which was changed to routine treatment after 4 weeks.The combination of AA 5% and erythromycin 2% gel significantly reduced the number of papules, pustules and comedones compared with placebo (p0.001), erythromycin 2% (p0.01) or AA 20% (p0.05). The incidence of adverse effects observed in patients treated with AzE (27%) was less than that with erythromycin 2% (54%) and AA 20% (45%).The combination of AA 5% and erythromycin 2% produced more potent therapeutic effects in comparison with erythromycin 2% or AA 20% alone, and with fewer side effects.

Crocus sativus, known as saffron, is used in folk medicine for treatment of different types of diseases, and its anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenging activities have been demonstrated. The present study evaluated gentamicin nephrotoxicity in saffron treated rats. Male Wistar rats (200-250g) were treated with saffron (40 or 80 mg/k/d) for 10 days, or saffron (40 or 80 mg/ kg/d) for 10 days and gentamicin 80 mg/kg/d for five days, starting from day 6. At the end of treatment, blood samples were taken for measurement of serum creatinine (SCr) and BUN. The left kidney was prepared for histological evaluation and the right kidney for Malondialdehyde (MDA) measurement. Gentamicin 80 (mg/k/d) increased SCr, BUN and renal tissue levels of MDA and induced severe histological changes. Saffron at 40 mg/k/d significantly reduced gentamicin-induced increases in BUN and histological scores (p

Four pre-medication drugs are used to relieve pain, allay anxiety, reduce secretion and enhance hypnosis, were evaluated for their effects on ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury which is one of the major complications of vascular and transplantation surgery. Right kidney was removed from female rats (210-250 g) 3 weeks before surgical procedure. Different doses of morphine (0.5, 2 and 5 mg/kg), promethazine (1, 2 and 5 mg/kg), atropine (0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 mg/kg) and alprazolam (0.08, 0.32 and 0.64 mg/kg) were administered subcutaneously 30 min before left renal artery occlusion and 6 h reperfusion. Left kidneys were processed for histological evaluations. Creatinine and BUN were measured in serum samples. Morphine, promethazine, atropine and alprazolam at all evaluated doses significantly decreased serum creatinine and BUN levels and histopathological scores. The effects of promethazine (1 mg/kg) and all doses of alprazolam were more potent than other pre-medication drugs and doses. This study suggested a protective effect of these pre-medication drugs on I/R injury. Although obvious studies are required, these findings may lead to effective therapies against I/R injury.

Random pattern skin flaps are still widely used in plastic surgery. However, necrosis in the distal portion resulting from ischemia is a serious problem, increasing the cost of treatment and hospitalization. To enhance skin flap viability, a variety of pharmacologic agents have been intensively investigated. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of enalapril (an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor) and losartan (an angiotensin receptor blocker) in skin flap viability. Male rats of 200 to 250 g were used. Different doses of enalapril (5, 20, and 50 mg/kg) and losartan (5 mg/kg) were administrated 30 minutes prior to elevate the flap. Flap survival area was evaluated on the seventh postoperative day. Enalapril improved survival area in a dose-dependent manner, but losartan failed to improve survival area, which suggested that the effect of enalapril was not mediated through AT1 receptors.

Renal ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury has been a major source of concern during the past decades and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have been successfully used to prevent this injury. There have been some controversial reports about the involvement of K(ATP) channels in the mechanism of action of ACE inhibitors. In this study, we examined the effect of K(ATP) channel blocker (Glibenclamide) on preventive effect of captopril on renal IR injury.Male sprauge-dawley rats were pretreated with glibenclamide (1, 5 and 25 mg/kg) and/or captopril (5 mg/kg). They were anesthetized using ketamine (50 mg/kg) and xylazine (10 mg/kg). The left flank was incised and the left renal artery was clamped for 30 minutes. After that, the kidney was reperfused for 2 hours and then the animal was killed. The Right and left kidneys were removed and evaluated for microscopic damage.Captopril reduced renal IR injury while glibenclamide by itself caused no change. Glibenclamide did not change the preventive effect of captopril.It seems that the preventive effect of captopril is not directly mediated by K(ATP) channels and further attention should be paid to other receptor-mediated angiotensin II effects.

Background: Skin flap grafting is a popular approach for reconstruction of critical skin and underlying soft tissue injuries. In a previous study, we demonstrated the beneficial effects of two 5α-reductase inhibitors, azelaic acid and finasteride, on tissue survival in a rat model of skin flap grafting. In the current study, we investigated the involvement of nitric oxide and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in graft survival mediated by these agents. Methods: A number of 42 male rats were randomly allocated into six groups: 1, normal saline topical application; 2, azelaic acid (100 mg/flap); 3, finasteride (1 mg/flap); 4, injection of L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (i.p., 20 mg/kg); 5, L-NAME (20 mg/kg, i.p.) + azelaic acid (100 mg/flap, topical); 6, L-NAME (20 mg/kg, i.p.) + finasteride (1 mg/flap, topical). Tissue survival, level of nitric oxide, and iNOS expression in groups were measured. Results: Our data revealed that azelaic acid and finasteride significantly increased the expression of iNOS protein and nitric oxide (NO) levels in graft tissue (P < 0.05). These increases in iNOS expression and NO level were associated with higher survival of the graft tissue. Conclusion: It appears that alterations of the NO metabolism are implicated in the azelaic acid- and finasteride-mediated survival of the skin flaps.

Pretreatment with diazoxide, K(ATP) channel opener, increases tissue tolerance against ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury. In clinical settings pretreatment is rarely an option therefore we evaluated the effect of post-ischemic treatment with diazoxide on skeletal muscle IR injury. Rats were treated with either saline, diazoxide (K(ATP) opener; 40 mg/kg) or 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD; mitochondrial K(ATP) inhibitor; 40 mg/kg) after skeletal muscle ischemia (3 h) and reperfusion (6, 24 or 48 h). Tissue contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, Bax and Bcl-2 protein expression and muscle histology were determined. Apoptosis was examined (24 and 48 h) after ischemia. IR induced severe histological damage, increased MDA content and Bax expression (24 and 48 h; p < 0.01) and decreased CAT and SOD activities (6 and 24 h, p < 0.01 and 48 h, p < 0.05), with no significant effect on Bcl-2 expression. Diazoxide reversed IR effects on MDA (6 and 24 h; p < 0.05), SOD (6 and 24 h; p < 0.01) and CAT (6 and 48 h, p < 0.05 and 24 h p < 0.01) and tissue damage. Diazoxide also decreased Bax (24 and 48 h; p < 0.05) and increased Bcl-2 protein expression (24 and 48 h; p < 0.01). Post-ischemic treatment with 5-HD had no significant effect on IR injury. Number of apoptotic nuclei in IR and 5-HD treated groups significantly increased (p < 0.001) while diazoxide decreased apoptosis (p < 0.01). The results suggested that post-ischemic treatment with diazoxide decrease oxidative stress in acute phase which modulates expression of apoptotic proteins in the late phase of reperfusion injury. Involvement of KATP channels in this effect require further evaluations.